The exhibit—which has been extended at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Art Gallery through Nov. 30—features beautifully crafted clothing from over 15 ethnic groups and 100 subgroups of people from southwest China.

Video synopsis Lingley introduces the exhibit by pointing out clothing styles influenced by proximity to Han Chinese. She then shows samples of work by the Miao people, including stunning silver headdresses and ornamentation. Viewers will gain an appreciation of the time and talent that goes into the creation of intricately embroidered and pleated garments. Finally, we see the patterns that helped inspire the name Writing with Thread.

The music is a traditional Miao folk song for hauling water called “Dan shui ge.”